Wetland field day set for April 10 at Sheldon Lake State Park

HOUSTON — A field day at the Sheldon Lake State Park wetlands will be held April 10, according to Marissa Sipocz, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wetland program manager in Houston.

The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department office, 14200 Garrett Road, Houston.

More than 205 acres of prairie wetland will have been restored with the completion of the fourth phase of the project by 2016, Sipocz said.

“Without the support of Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the restoration work could not have happened,” she said.

Field day attendees will learn about the restoration methodology and best management practices implemented at the park. After a noon meal, a tour of phases one and two of the restoration project will be offered from 1-3:30 p.m, along with a discussion about the planting portion of the project. A look at the restoration from the new observation tower will also offered.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is a partner on the project to help emphasize best management practices for land stewardship and restoration, Sipocz said.